Man dies at Melbourne detention centre as court rules on COVID-19 risk   3%

The man's death came hours before the Federal Court ordered the release of a 68-year-old man with poor health from the same detention centre, over fears he could be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.

Donald Trump defends Dr Deborah Birx after calling her Covid-19 assessment 'pathetic' video  

The US president has defended his public health expert Deborah Birx after she drew criticism from House speaker Nancy Pelosi and from his own earlier tweet, labelling her assessment of Covid-19's spread as 'pathetic'. Pelosi targeted Birx, saying Trump spread coronavirus misinformation and Birx was his appointee. The president pointed to coronavirus flareups overseas as a measure of the US success, saying the country was doing very well and adding he had a lot of respect for Birx

• Trump calls Birx's dire warning on widespread coronavirus in the US 'pathetic'

Britain should shed its China obsession to seize the moment in the Indo-Pacific   51%

We are living through the Indo-Pacific Century – a moment of great opportunity in world history when the balance of power and wealth is shifting eastward for the first time in hundreds of years.But 2020 has offered proof that this century will also be a challenging one.First, the coronavirus pandemic has been the biggest shock to the global economy for decades. Even countries that have avoided the worst of the public health crisis have seen significant negative economic effects. The disease has…

Faced with a digital divide, one country cancelled the whole school year  

The decision was made not just to protect teachers and students from the coronavirus but also to address glaring issues of inequality.

Rules for thee, not for me? German president thrashed for not wearing mask on vacation while lecturing others to do so   6%

A holiday photo of the German president from a few weeks ago came back to bite him, after he lectured anti-mask protesters on being responsible during the Covid-19 pandemic – his face was not covered when the picture was taken.
Read Full Article at RT.com

Lockdown emissions fall will have 'no effect' on climate   7%

The unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions from lockdowns during the pandemic will do "nothing" to slow climate change without a lasting switch from fossil fuels, an international team of researchers said Friday.

What you need to know about coronavirus  

What began with a handful of mysterious illnesses in a vast central China city has traveled the world, jumping from animals to humans and from obscurity to international headlines. Here is what we know so far about coronavirus.

As coronavirus hits global economy, foreign investment in Dubai plunges 74 pct  

Foreign direct investment in Dubai fell by 74 percent in the first half of the year compared with the same period of 2019, as the coronavirus pandemic stalled parts of the global economy.

US schools reopen in coronavirus hotspots, only to be hit by outbreaks and quarantines   -4%

Undeterred by the coronavirus, schools in several US states have reopened for in-person classes – but some have already been hit by large quarantines of students and staff following fresh outbreaks.In Mississippi – the state with the country’s highest positivity rate at 22 per cent of everyone tested, sick or otherwise – the Corinth School District has so far seen eight confirmed cases across several schools, according to officials.As a result, over 100 people who came into close contact with…

Indian-origin man fined for breaching 'stay home' notice in Singapore  

A 63-year old Indian-origin Singapore citizen was fined 5,000 Singapore dollars on Wednesday for breaching his coronavirus 'stay at home' notice, according to a media report. Dharamnath Singh was fined on one charge of exposing others to the risk of Covid-19, while four similar charges were taken into consideration during the sentencing by a local court, Channel News Asia reported.

Michigan reports 762 additional coronavirus cases, no deaths   10%

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has now reported 86,191 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 6,247 total deaths.

'I feel worthless': workers tell of gruelling life in Dutch meat plants   -15%

The Netherlands is a food powerhouse but its dark underbelly has been exposed by Covid-19, say unions

• Coronavirus – latest updates
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Trapped in jobs that make them feel worthless, meat plant workers have spoken out about working life in an industry accused of using temporary agencies to avoid employment responsibilities.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Romanian and Polish workers described intimidation and gruelling conditions on the factory floor, inconsistent coronavirus measures and feeling afraid to report sickness, in a joint investigation by the Guardian and Lighthouse Reports. All are employed by agencies and most are currently working at, or have recently left, the Dutch company Van Rooi Meat.

Hong Kong election delayed after opposition candidates barred   -5%

Carrie Lam calls decision 'necessary' after spike in coronavirus cases, but critics say this is an excuse for the government to avoid a humiliating defeat

HSBC profits hammered by pandemic and soaring US-China tensions   2%

HSBC said Monday profits for the first half of 2020 plunged by 69 percent on year as the banking giant was hammered by the coronavirus pandemic and spiralling China-US tensions.

Uncertainty is stressing us out right now. 7 ideas for managing it   -30%

You can help yourself relax amid the pandemic. Start by shedding negative thoughts

Pavlyuchenkova opts out of U.S. Open due to Covid-19 'insecurity'   50%

Pavlyuchenkova, 29, joins the likes of men’s defending champion Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one Ash Barty who pulled out of the Grand Slam out of fear of contracting the novel coronavirus during their stay in the country.

Atletico Madrid cleared to travel for Champions League despite positive coronavirus tests   22%

The team announced the two positive tests on Sunday

COVID-19 is keeping grandparents from experiencing milestones with their grandkids   50%

Grandparents around the country are feeling the effects of a COVID-19 pandemic not being able to see their grandchildren.

Coronavirus test: Who is eligible for one and what happens when you get it?  

On 3 August the government announced two tests which can detect coronavirus and flu within 90 minutes

Bubbles Are Working. But How Long Can Sports Stay Inside?  

The restricted, campuslike environments used by soccer and pro basketball have proved (mostly) impervious to the coronavirus. But not every league fits inside one.

Will a heatwave kill off or slow down coronavirus?  

World Health Organisation stresses that Covid-19 can be caught in any climate

Canada to U.S. Visitors: Please Dont Sneak Across the Border   -25%

Some Canadian citizens, concerned about the spread of the coronavirus, are taking matters into their own hands and reporting illegal American visitors.

UK to remove Belgium, Andorra and Bahamas from safe travel list, imposes mandatory...  

Passengers arriving into Britain from Belgium, the Bahamas and Andorra will need to quarantine for 14 days due to concerns over rising COVID-19 infection rates, transport minister Grant Shapps said on Thursday.

'It's Ridiculous': States Struggle To Accommodate COVID-19 Positive Voters   17%

In Texas, COVID-19 positive voters can be put in the position of choosing between their right to vote and the public's health.

No New Year pilgrimage to Ukraine for Israeli Jews this year  

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jews will have to forego the annual pilgrimage, mayor says

Atletico Madrid duo Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko test positive for coronavirus   31%

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Angel Correa and Sime Vrsaljko are the two players to have tested positive for coronavirus.

Tanzanias President Says Country Is Virus Free. Others Warn of Disaster   -4%

Tanzania hasn’t reported a single coronavirus case in three months, even as the African continent is expected this week to cross the threshold of one million reported cases.

Coronavirus live news: EU health agency calls for new lockdowns as Greece 'formally' enters second wave   3%

World Health Organization says it has received just 10% of funds it needs for Covid fight and urges Europe to react fast

• France extends mask use as Greece says it is in second wave
• Global report: Covid cases worldwide near 20 million
  
• Scientists urge routine Covid testing when English schools reopen
• World map: which countries have the most cases and deaths?
• US coronavirus updates – live
  

8.41pm BST

Pakistanis flocked to gyms, salons and restaurants that opened on Monday for the first time in five months after being shut to stop the spread of coronavirus, Reuters reports.

Pakistan has recorded more than 280,000 cases of Covid-19 and nearly 6,100 deaths, but has seen a slowing of numbers since June, when it recorded nearly 7,000 infections and 118 deaths in a single day.

8.27pm BST

The number of new Covid-19 cases among children in the United States rose 40% in the last two weeks of July, according to a report released just weeks before tens of millions of American students are scheduled to begin the new school year.

Health experts are keeping an eye on coronavirus infections among kids and teenagers as officials struggle with the thorny question of whether to reopen schools for in-person classes, adopt a virtual learning model or a hybrid of the two.

I want to get an outcome: McConnell defends strategy as he faces GOP grumbling  

In an interview, the Senate majority leader acknowledges the difficulty in getting a coronavirus relief deal across the finish line.

Sisters for Sisters: the programme helping Nepali girls maintain menstrual health under lockdown  

Despite the pandemic, the 'big sisters' have still been there for the younger generation

Australian officials optimistic 2nd wave of COVID-19 showing signs of peaking  

Australia recorded its biggest one-day rise in COVID-19 deaths on Monday although a slowdown in new cases gave hope that a second wave of new infections in the state of Victoria may have peaked.

Ex-Prez Mukherjee on ventilator support: Sources   19%

Former President Pranab Mukherjee was put on ventilator support on Monday at Army's Research and Referral hospital in the national capital, according to sources. The former President underwent a successful brain surgery for removal of clot earlier today. The 84-year-old had said that he tested positive for Covid-19 during his visit to the hospital for the surgery.

Rams receiver Cooper Kupp ready to impress entering contract year   -3%

Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp hasn't let the COVID-19 pandemic slow down his preparations for what will be an important season for his NFL future.

Renters facing eviction need grace now  

If political leaders don’t act swiftly, the novel coronavirus pandemic will result in an eviction epidemic of proportions Canada has never seen before, Tiffany Gooch writes.

Africa: Breastfeeding Link to Covid-19 Is Negligible -WHO   50%

[Africa Renewal] The risk of COVID-19 infection from breastfeeding is negligible and has never been documented, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, in a call for greater support for the practice.

State's weed industry blossoms despite pandemic   5%

It only took a few months for Illinois' budding recreational marijuana industry to blossom -- even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Most Brits, French, Germans would skip holiday if tests, masks involved   -9%

As new coronavirus travel restrictions kick in across Europe, a survey showed at least half of German, British and French travellers would rather cancel a holiday than quarantine afterwards, take a test upon arrival, or wear a mask outdoors.

Orban says ALL illegal immigrants pose potential health risk to Hungary amid Covid-19 pandemic   -16%

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that while immigration advocates may disagree, all illegal immigrants trying to enter Hungary during the Covid-19 pandemic pose a possible health threat and should be treated as such.
Read Full Article at RT.com

Headlines for August 6, 2020  

Beirut Blast Destroys Grain Silo and Leaves 300,000 Homeless, Adding to Humanitarian Crisis, COVID-19 Deaths Surge in Florida and California as New York City Erects Quarantine Checkpoints, India Records Its Highest One-Day Coronavirus Toll, Facebook Removes Video from Trump's Account Citing COVID-19 Misinformation, Security Team Assigned to Family of Dr. Anthony Fauci Amid Death Threats, Gilead Accused of Neglecting Coronavirus Drug Research in Bid to Maximize Profits, Kodak Under Investigation for Insider Trading Tied to Massive Government Loan, Deutsche Bank Gave Trump Financial Records to New York Prosecutors as Part of Criminal Probe, State Dept. Acting Inspector General Abruptly Quits, Weeks After Trump Fired Predecessor, Joe Biden to Accept Presidential Nomination from Delaware as DNC Goes Virtual, Iowa Restores Voting Rights to Formerly Incarcerated People Convicted of Felonies, Minneapolis Prosecutor Won't Bring Charges Against Officers Who Killed Autistic Man, Florida Governor Admits Unemployment System Intentionally Discourages Benefit Seekers, Daughter of Rep. Louie Gohmert: "My Father Ignored Medical Expertise and Now He Has COVID", Saudi Arabia Accused of Advancing Nuclear Weapons Program With Chinese Help, Turkish Women Protest Plans to Withdraw from Treaty Combating Violence Against Women, AP: 2,000 Unaccompanied Migrant Children Expelled from U.S. Since March, Daisy Coleman, Survivor of 2012 Missouri Rape Case, Dies by Suicide

Netball team members keep players connected despite suspension  

League organizers have responded to coronavirus restrictions by putting together a program called Challenge the Coronavirus